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Matteo Renzi Needs to Look Out for Italy First

Matteo Renzi, Italy’s Would-be Savior of Europe, Has Much to Do at Home

It has taken Matteo Renzi just over 130 days to make the transition from mayor of Florence to prime minister of Italy to Europe’s would-be savior.

His party’s remarkable success in the European Parliament elections in May—the Democratic Party secured 40% of the votes—has given him a popular mandate that few among Europe’s beleaguered leaders can match. And he has been quick to press his advantage.